Correcting Kaljug Pandit
( source: www.sikhmissionarycollege.org )
This incident took place in 1510 (during Guru Nanak Sahib jis first preaching odyssey - Udasi) . A Brahmin named 'Kalyug' had made his abode there. He was a learned man beside being very rich. Many pilgrims were his followers and often stayed in his Dera (Camp).
This Pandit was swindling the gullible people who were not aware of what the true religion was. Many rich persons who visited him were more interested in knowing about their future life or the life hereafter. They would feel happy listening to good and favourable stories about themselves. Pleased with such fables, they would make handsome offerings to him.
In Jagannath Puri, where Satguru ji condemned the ritualistic. Aarti (A form of prayer in temples), he also unmasked the deeds of 'Kalyug' pandit. Kalyug Pandit was sitting in meditative mood while many devotees were surrounding him. He had a small pitcher (jug) like metallic container placed in his front in which the pilgrims were putting their offerings. He would close his eyes for sometime and open them again.
Sometimes he would close one of his nostrils, either right or left with his hand. Then he would suddenly declare that he is seeing Vishnu Bhagwan in the heaven. Similarly he would claim an audience with other gods and his visits to Brahmpuri (Abode of Brahma) and Shivpuri (Abode of Shivji). The devotees were listening to all his claims with rapt silence and expected that soon he would take them to the divine trip too. He then asked all those present to shut their eyes and perceive the heaven in their minds, and he would help them see it.
When all those present there closed their eyes, Guru ji signalled Bhai Mardana to pick up the small pitcher like container from his front and hide it behind him in a bush. When the ' Panda ' opened his eyes, he did not see the container in his front. He was beside himself with rage and started shouting loudly and asking who had taken his small container. "Don't crack jokes with the Saints. We don't crave for money... etc.", he said. The pilgrims in his attendance were also surprised. Hearing his shouts, many more people gathered around. Guru ji stepped forward and said, "Pandit ji, you were able to see Brahmpuri, Shivpuri and Vishnupuri, why don't you look around in this Universe ? You may be able to locate where the container is lying". Hearing these remarks the 'Panda' vexed still more. Some present also said, "Pandit ji, you were seeing the divine abode but now you can't find your small pitcher. How could it be ?" People understood the deceit of the Pandit.
Guru ji well disclosed his beguile and advised people that those who sit in meditative postures, closing their eyes, nose and ears were not to be trusted. They were like herons who stood still on one leg in the water to pounce upon at fish and frogs. Here was that 'Pandit' who could see the divine abodes but could not spot his money container lying behind him.
Guru ji further explained that these were the tricks used by the imposters to swindle people of their hard earned money. Satguru ji explained to all the pilgrims that remembering God is the right path of this life. All other ritualistic actions are not worship but acts of impressing people.
Kalyug Panda was highly impressed by the personality of Guru ji and his sermons. He requested Guru ji to honour him with his stay in his abode. Guru ji agreed and during this period apprised him with the true path.
Dhanaasaree, First Mehla, Third House:
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
No, no, this is not the time, when people know the way to Yoga and Truth.
The holy places of worship in the world are polluted, and so the world is drowning. ||1||
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Lord's Name is the most sublime.
Some people try to deceive the world by closing their eyes and holding their nostrils closed. ||1||Pause||
They close off their nostrils with their fingers, and claim to see the three worlds.
But they cannot even see what is behind them. What a strange lotus pose this is! ||2||
The K'shatriyas have abandoned their religion, and have adopted a foreign language.
The whole world has been reduced to the same social status; the state of righteousness and Dharma has been lost. ||3||
They analyze eight chapters of (Panini's) grammar and the Puraanas. They study the Vedas,
but without the Lord's Name, no one is liberated; so says Nanak, the Lord's slave. ||4||1||6||8||
- Guru Granth Sahib ji – pg 662
The holymen and religious leaders of today are no different than the Pandit described above. These people have adopted the Sikh externalities and have initiated many false hoods in the name of religion and are leading a luxurious life under its cover. Barring a few, most of our preachers and self appointed saints are duping the people and collecting money/wealth from them through deceitful means.
With Gurbani available to the Sikhs, no Sikh should fall in their trap. It is the duty of all the Sikhs to remember the advise of the Guru given in this hymn and keep themselves away from the impostors and cheaters.
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